In a momentous keynote address delivered at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga, MP, heralded a new era in South African education. The occasion marked the unveiling of the meticulously crafted Coding and Robotics Curriculum for Grades R to 9, a transformative initiative poised to revolutionize the country's educational landscape.
Gathered at the venue were esteemed guests, colleagues, officials from various provinces, and representatives from the Department of Basic Education, along with members of the media, all eager to witness this significant milestone in educational reform.
The Minister began her address by expressing immense pleasure in welcoming the attendees to what she described as a pivotal moment in the educational journey of South Africa. She highlighted the extensive process undertaken by the Department of Basic Education, guided by directives from Umalusi and enriched by invaluable public feedback and insights from pilot projects, to refine the Coding and Robotics Curriculum. Notably, the curriculum received the coveted endorsement of Umalusi, marking a critical step towards its implementation in 2025, commencing with the Foundation Phase.
Central to the curriculum's ethos is a dedication to the Science of Learning and Deliberate Practice, informed by extensive research in the fields of Coding and Robotics education. It incorporates proven methodologies such as problem-based learning, cooperative learning, discovery learning, and active learning, serving as an academic and practical guide to empower learners across the nation.
Structured around three fundamental strands, the curriculum encompasses Coding in Education and Robotics in Education. Coding is hailed as essential for preparing learners for the digital age, fostering computational thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and innovation. Robotics, on the other hand, offers hands-on experiences, plunging learners into practical applications that hone collaboration, project management, and problem-solving skills applicable across various fields.
Moreover, the curriculum sets ambitious goals aimed at developing computational and design thinking, promoting digital competencies, fostering creativity and critical thinking, and preparing learners for STEAM-related careers. Importantly, it seeks to instill effective digital citizenship and ethical behavior, raising awareness of the societal impacts of technology.
Addressing concerns regarding the allocation of time for the Foundation Phase Coding and Robotics Curriculum vis-à-vis other foundational subjects, Minister Motshekga emphasized that the integration of Coding and Robotics does not diminish other areas but rather enhances and complements them from a new perspective. She underscored the importance of nurturing responsible digital citizens in the digital age.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the significant strides made in South Africa's basic education sector over the past 30 years. From an under-resourced and racially segregated system, the sector has evolved to achieve near-universal access for the compulsory schooling age group, supported by pro-poor policies such as the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) and the implementation of no-fee schools.
The NSNP, lauded for its multifaceted impact, provides nutritious meals to over 9.6 million learners across the country, not only addressing food security but also creating economic opportunities within communities. Similarly, the expansion of no-fee schools has significantly enhanced educational accessibility, particularly for learners from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Moreover, Minister Motshekga highlighted the government's commitment to infrastructure development in schools, emphasizing initiatives such as the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI), which has replaced inadequate school structures with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring conducive learning environments for all learners.
In her closing remarks, Minister Motshekga underscored the parallel between educational reforms and democratic principles, emphasizing the importance of active participation, critical thinking, and continuous engagement. As South Africa prepares for upcoming elections, she called for a concerted effort to educate young people about the significance of voting and democracy, fostering a generation of active citizens equipped to contribute positively to the nation's democratic fabric.
In conclusion, Minister Angie Motshekga urged stakeholders to embrace the new Coding and Robotics curriculum as a means to not only equip learners with technological proficiency but also instill in them a deep awareness of their role as active citizens. She expressed gratitude for the dedication to education and democracy exhibited by all present, affirming a collective commitment to building a future where every learner and citizen is empowered to contribute to the nation's prosperity and vitality.